Need help with cooking logistics!

[ErgGirl]

Hello reenactors! I am writing historical fiction and have some very specific questions about cooking on the company level. I am really hoping to find someone who not mind answering incredibly detailed questions, either over the phone or email. I've done a lot of research and spoken to a lot of experts, but I'm lucking out with my last round of research! Thank you!

 

[aidenmac17]

Cook some Andersonville food!

Joking, I don't know any cooking logistics... Interesting question, I'd bet someone else here knows...

Cheers!

 

[captaindrew]

Individual soldiers were issued rations. They would make up a "mess" of 4 to 6 guys who'd pool what they had and whoever was the best cook usually would handle it. If you look up Civil War Digital Digest on YouTube and add rations and/or camp cooking they have some excellent videos on the subject which will certainly help you visualize what and how they ate.

 

[ErgGirl]

Individual soldiers were issued rations. They would make up a "mess" of 4 to 6 guys who'd pool what they had and whoever was the best cook usually would handle it. If you look up Civil War Digital Digest on YouTube and add rations and/or camp cooking they have some excellent videos on the subject which will certainly help you visualize what and how they ate.

Thank you!

 

[johan_steele]

A lot depended upon where and when as well as which side of the line a soldier was on. Add in garrison vs campaign or winter camp soldiers rarely actually starved. Though some of what they were eating would make the modern fella think twice. Add in the number of farmers who knew what was edible in the wild vs those who didn't and some are better than others no matter the circumstance.

 

[ErgGirl]

A lot depended upon where and when as well as which side of the line a soldier was on. Add in garrison vs campaign or winter camp soldiers rarely actually starved. Though some of what they were eating would make the modern fella think twice. Add in the number of farmers who knew what was edible in the wild vs those who didn't and some are better than others no matter the circumstance.

Thank you!

 

[James Brenner]

Also, look at period photos for camp kettles, cups, coffee pots, etc. You won't see many (any?) fire irons or cast iron utensils.

 

[ErgGirl]

Also, look at period photos for camp kettles, cups, coffee pots, etc. You won't see many (any?) fire irons or cast iron utensils.

Thank you!